EU urges parties to put aside personal rivalries

The European Union has said it expects all political parties in the Maldives to put aside personal and ideological rivalries and work together for future of the country.

In a statement released on Thursday, EU’s High Representative Catherine Ashton said that political parties must work together to confront the serious economic and environmental challenges which the country faces today.

"The EU expects all political parties to put personal and ideological rivalries aside and work together to confront the serious economic and environmental challenges which the country faces," said Catherine Ashton, congratulating the Maldives on the conclusion of the Presidential Election.

“The EU welcomes the return to constitutional rule and congratulates the Maldivian people on their commitment to democracy,” the statement read.

Catherine Ashton also noted that the democratic process could finally be concluded thanks in large part, to the efficiency and professionalism of the Elections Commission.

Following the annulment of the first round of the presidential election and further delays, the European Union had strongly urged the Maldives to conclude the electoral process, including a stark warning two days prior the second round of the presidential polls where the Union had said it was ready to consider “appropriate measures” against the Maldives, should the electoral process not conclude as scheduled.